If you’re gearing up for an internship this summer, you’re not alone—and you’re in luck. The “Internships 101: Making the Most of Your Internship” panel this spring brought together an all-star lineup of experienced interns to share their stories and advice. Moderated by Sarah James, panelists Valerie, David, and Alex pulled back the curtain on how to thrive as an intern, even if you’re just starting out.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key insights they shared, packed with takeaways you can use from Day 1 to your final wrap-up meeting.
1. First-Day Prep: Set the Tone Early
Before you even walk through the door (or log on), preparation is key. The panelists recommended:
- Reviewing the provided checklist and reaching out to your supervisor ahead of time. It shows initiative and helps you get any tech or access questions answered early.
- Mentally preparing for the experience. Go in with an open mindset, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. It’s totally normal to not have all the answers.
- Getting to know your team—building trust with your coworkers early on can lead to a more fulfilling experience and better collaboration.
2. Navigating the Newbie Phase
Everyone starts somewhere. Being one of the newest employees can feel intimidating, but there are some real perks to being the newest of the organization.
- People want to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—especially the smaller ones. Many panelists said they found informal mentors this way.
- Learn the workflows and internal communication styles. It takes time, so be patient with yourself as you adjust.
3. Connecting with Other Interns and Staff
Whether you’re in a program with a handful of interns or over a hundred, making those connections can be a highlight.
- At the State Department, about 30 interns lived and worked together, creating a friendly and collaborative vibe.
- At Discover, over 100 interns kicked things off with GroupMe chats and social events—some of which turned into lifelong friendships (and even post-grad roommates).
- For smaller programs like LA Times or Planned Parenthood, the connections came through memorable field trips and staying open to all forms of communication, from Slack messages to coffee chats.
4. Grow Your Network Like a Pro
This is your chance to connect with people who are already doing what you might want to do someday. The advice?
- Be proactive. Most professionals are happy to take a break from their work to chat with you.
- Show curiosity and a collaborative spirit. You never know where those conversations might lead.
- Use LinkedIn strategically—look for shared experiences, alma maters, or mutual interests to break the ice.
5. Skills That Stick
Internships are more than just resume fillers—they’re real-world training grounds.
- Learn how departments work, from internal processes to big-picture strategy.
- Get hands-on with tech and website management, even if it’s not your major.
- Sharpen soft skills like communication, storytelling, empathy, and crisis management. One panelist even said they became a better question asker, which paid off in unexpected ways.
6. Make Your Work Count
Even if you’re not launching massive projects, your contributions matter.
- Take notes and track what you’re working on. It’ll help when you write your final report—or talk about the experience in an interview.
- Show the impact of your work. Did you make a process more efficient? Help reduce overhead?
- Ask for more. Once you’ve gotten the hang of things, don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor for new challenges or additional tasks.
7. Final Words of Wisdom
To wrap it all up, the panelists left students with a few golden rules:
- Be ambitious and stay open-minded. This is your chance to explore.
- Advocate for yourself. Speak up, ask for feedback, and take initiative from Day 1.
- Treat this like a fresh start. Internships are a clean slate—so show up, be professional, and put your best foot forward.
Whether it’s your first internship or your fifth, the key takeaway from this panel is clear: What you put into your internship is what you’ll get out of it. So dive in, make connections, and don’t be afraid to shine. Your future self will thank you.
Currently looking for a summer internship? Make a career advising appointment or visit our website for internship search resources.
